The Cowsills "Global"
(Robin Records 81562)
Incredible to think that 30 years on from their hit-making days, the grown up
Cowsills should return with such a magnificent album. "Is It Any Wonder" which
was featured on the first Yellow Pills compilation gave an early indication that
something really special was on it’s way. That song brought back that original frisson
that I remembered experiencing when I first heard "You Were So Warm"
on that first Dwight Twilley album, it emanates that same majestic warmth. The album has a
wonderfully lush sound, through which the magical vocal blend and spot-on instrumentation
entraps the listener. The songs are hook-filled and instantly memorable. Though by now far
from his teens, Bob Cowsill (often with his wife Mary Jo) has penned some classic pop
numbers which manage to capture both a state of mature reflection and an innocent sense of
wonder. He is also a great pop vocalist often recalling Dwight Twilley, while Susan
Cowsill’s vocal delivery is both vulnerable and sassy, listen to her bite on "Far
Away"; the song itself is a wonderful mixture of Beatles and Rumour
period Fleetwood Mac. The guitars, while not over dominant, often recall the heights
attained on the "Flamin’ Groovies Now" album, from the bedrock rhythm
guitars to the crystal clear 12 strings. The album closes with the positively nostalgic "Some
Good Years", a number which includes some perfect Beach Boys styled harmonies.
I’ve now lived with this album for 10 days and I can’t seem to play
anything else. This is either a sign of benign madness or the mark of a truly great album;
I’ll let you decide.
© 1998 Robin Wills and Bucketfull of Brains
Reprinted by permission |
